Just 90 miles west of
México City, but worlds apart...lies Valle de Bravo. Perched on a
hilltop, in a beautiful pine forest away from the smog and traffic of
México City. Valle is one of the favorite places for city residents
to spend weekends and holidays. This ex-colonial town is like
something out of a historical novel. It sits on a hillside
overlooking the pleasant lake with winding cobblestone streets and
beautiful colonial style homes. Gardens alive with colorful plants
and walls covered in brightly hued bougainvillea dominate the landscape,
adding a picturesque touch to the streets and homes of the community.

The lake, actually a
reservoir, is a peaceful place for sailing, water skiing, fishing (for
bass & perch) and other water sports. Boats for fishing, skiing or
just relaxing can be rented in the small marina, near the dock. The
surrounding hills and forests are a great place for hiking, mountain
biking, camping or just exploring. Bicycle rentals, horses for rent
and excursion boats are some of the activities available. There are
several nearby waterfalls that are easily reached, if you have the proper
directions, check at the friendly tourist office near the main plaza.
Millions of monarch butterflies flock to the area from December to March,
with January being the best month to enjoy this marvelous sight.

This is also one of the
very best areas in México for hang gliding because of the thermal
conditions created by the lake and nearby hills and valleys. The
takeoff point is a peak high in the mountains and the landing area is
lakeside. There are several local companies devoted to the sport that will
take you on a tandem sail, if you are so inclined. They also give lessons
and rent equipment to experienced flyers.

QuerétaroA beautiful colonial city that played a large and
important role in Mexican history.

Querétaro is a beautiful
colonial city that played a large and important role in Mexican history
and a city that is alive with art, music and cultural activities.
Located about two and a half hours north of Mexico City by car, this
interesting city is one of those magical places that is sure to capture
your heart. The first thing you are likely to notice upon entering
Querétaro is how clean this city is. The main square (Plaza
Principal) and the surrounding area offer visitors a pleasant glimpse into
México's past as well as an incredible shopping and dining experience.
The state band performs here on Sunday evenings, around 6:30, sometimes
with dancers. The historic center is fairly small and is a pleasant
place for casual strolling on the pedestrian only streets that link
several of the city's plazas.

Another plaza, Plaza de
Armas, is the center of social activity in Querétaro and gets very active
in the evenings. The plaza is a great place to gather and decide
where you want to eat or have a drink. You may decide that you just want
to relax and listen to some live music coming from the restaurants and
cafes surrounding the unique fountain. There are also live concerts,
usually performed several nights a week that are sponsored by the Casa de
Cultura. The Casa de Cultura is just up the street from the tourist
office, check with them for a schedule.

Querétaro's elevated
aqueduct is another interesting attraction, and serves as an emblem for
the city. Built between 1726 and 1735, it is 1.25 kilometers in length and
contains 74 towering arches. The aqueduct runs along Av.
Zaragoza and still serves as one of the city's main water sources.

There is a local tourist
office on the northwest corner of Plaza de Armas, they can give you maps
and information. Telephone: 01 (800) 715-1742 (within México).

San Miguel de Allende is
a stunningly attractive colonial town, approximately 3½ hours north of
México City, by car. This town is well known for it's expatriate
community and for having some of the finest Spanish language schools in
all of México. San Miguel is also known as a learning center of the
arts and students from all over the world travel here to study painting,
dance, weaving, sculpting as well as photography. Attractive to
tourists, as well as artists and writers, this colorful town also played a
strategic role in México's independence.

The tree-lined plaza,
known locally as the Jardín, is the center of activity in San Miguel de
Allende. The strikingly unique architecture of the parish church, with
it's ornate spires, dominates the landscape and can be seen from almost
everywhere in the town. The local tourism office has a booth on the
south side of the plaza and the friendly staff will be happy to answer
questions and furnish maps and brochures, in Spanish as well as English.

A walking tour is
probably the best way to really enjoy San Miguel. Be sure to to
visit the home of the town namesake Ignacio Allende. This recently
restored building, now a museum, is a stunning example of the many
colonial mansions that once flourished in México. There are numerous
galleries, custom craft shops, sidewalk cafes and restaurants with
pleasant patios and live music. All of this, within walking distance
of the plaza. Don't be surprised if you arrive during a colorful
local fiesta, which seem to be happening almost daily. Nearby
recreation includes golf, horseback riding, hot springs, mountain biking
and a rather unique botanical garden.

With it's colonial
architecture and beautifully restored homes, this city has been designated
a national monument. San Miguel de Allende, with it's provincial charm and
high level of cultural activity, is sure to leave you with a lasting
impression...inviting you to return and spend just a little more time
here.

Taxco has got to be one of
Mexico's most unique cities. Famous everywhere, Taxco is known as
the silver capital of the world. This easy drive of less than four
hours (slightly more by bus) on a modern, well kept toll road will take
you back in time. Taxco is one of those quaint, picture perfect
towns that never seem to age. If it weren't for the hordes of taxis
and electric poles, you could easily imagine you had jumped into a time
machine and gone back a century or two. The huge church dominates
the landscape and the narrow, winding cobblestone streets are seemingly
from a different era. There are quaint inns and B&B's, many with
incredible views, so you may want to schedule an over night trip.

The Zócalo, or town
square, is a great starting point from which to explore Taxco. The
square is located directly across from the church and is surrounded by
shops and cafes which allow you to enjoy all of Taxco's daily
activity. If you are shopping for silver, in any shape or form, you will
not likely find a better place to shop. Taxco is home to so many
silver shops, you will find it impossible to visit all of them.
There are other crafts, from all over Mexico for sale here, but you can
probably do better in Acapulco where there is more competition. Be
aware that the competition to sell all types of silver in Taxco is fierce
and you can usually strike a bargain on the listed price, or at least you
can try.

There is also a nearby
golf course. Perhaps the women could shop while the men take in a
round of golf. This could be used as an incentive to get the men to
take their spouses shopping. Taxco is about a three hour drive or
there are many tours available from Mexico City.